Our Energy Words -- Energy is the ability to perform work.

This is a term in physics but made simple it means energy is what makes something move.

Coal - a fossil fuel used to generate electricity in Coal power plants like the one in Gallatin, TN
Energy - that which makes a thing move
Fossil fuel - a fuel made from "fossil" remains of plants and animals from the distant geologic past. (coal, oil, natural gas, shale)
Fuel - a substance used to burn for heat, light or generation of power
Generate - to cause something to happen
Geothermal Power - power generated by the heat of the earth's interior
Hydro power - power generated by the power of moving water
Natural Gas - a gas created through the decomposition of living matter. It was trapped deep in the earth in the distant geologic past. It is mostly made of Methane and is burned to power many things including electric generation.
Oil - a fossil fuel buried deep in the earth which we burn to generate electricity, and gasoline for cars
Solar Power - energy that comes from the sun.
Wind power - energy that is generated by the wind